Lion Links
Lion Links: 8/19/20
Good morning, Mane Landers! I’m in week two of back to school and feel like I’m drowning. How are you all holding up? Let’s go ahead and jump to the links.
Orlando City Climbs in the Power Rankings
The MLS Power Rankings heading into Week 6 see Orlando City climb two spots from ninth to seventh. The Lions’ rise in the rankings is attributed to their “surprising” turnaround and tournament run under Head Coach Oscar Pareja. Nani, Ruan, and Joao Moutihno’s performances were all praised for their contributions as well.
Orlando City B Loses 4-1 Against FC Tucson
The Young Lions fell behind early, equalized, but then were overrun, losing 4-1 to FC Tucson. Mateo Rodas converted a penalty kick for Orlando City B’s only goal of the match. Sean Rollins has the full match recap.
More Pride Players Headed Out on Loan
The club announced yesterday that two more players will officially head out to play elsewhere in 2020. Defender Emily Sonnett joins Swedish club Kopparbergs/Göteborg FC. Additionally, midfielder Jade Moore has been loaned to Spanish side Atlético Madrid. With the team having to withdraw from the NWSL Challenge Cup, neither player had a chance to make an appearance for the Pride.
USL League One Team of the Week
Despite last night’s loss, the kids continue to show promise. Orlando City B forward Wilfredo Rivera has been named to USL League One’s Team of the Week. He scored the opening goal in the 1-1 draw against Fort Lauderdale CF, completed 90% of his passes, had four shots overall, and won two tackles.
Free Kicks
- Marta socks? Yes, please!
- Alex Morgan has reportedly made Forbes’ Top 10 Highest Paid Female Athletes of 2020.
Top 10 Highest Paid Female Athletes of 2020, via Forbes:
Naomi Osaka: $37.4M
Serena Williams: $36M
Ashleigh Barty: $13.1M
Simona Halep: $10.9M
Bianca Andreescu: $8.9M
Garbine Muguruza: $6.6M
Elina Svitolina: $6.4M
Sofia Kenin: $5.8M
Angelique Kerber: $5.3M
Alex Morgan: $4.6M— FOS Insights (@FOSInsights) August 18, 2020
- USL is looking to reach more fans with a SiriusXM and international TV deal.
- Sometimes things come full circle.
Thomas Tuchel was managing Augsburg's reserve team when a serious knee injury ended the career of his young defender, Julian Nagelsmann.
Tuchel employed Nagelsmann as a scout and analyst. The beginning of an incredible story 🍿 pic.twitter.com/tlHWlHpzr6
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) August 18, 2020
That’s going to do it for me today, everyone. Have a great week and stay safe!